25 Years of Specialist Data Recovery Expertise
When your Seagate external hard drive suddenly requests a BitLocker recovery key and you do not have access to the key, this is typically caused by encryption metadata corruption, improper ejection, or Windows update conflicts. At Coventry Data Recovery, we specialise in advanced-level data recovery from BitLocker encrypted drives, even when the recovery key is unavailable.
🔍 Common Issue: Seagate Drive Asks for BitLocker Key & Shows No Files
This type of fault typically results from:
- Accidental disconnection during write operations
- Interrupted encryption/decryption process
- Corruption in the BitLocker metadata headers
- Windows security policy changes post-update
- Firmware bugs in USB bridge chips or external drive controllers
- Damaged partition structures
🛠️ Step-by-Step BitLocker Recovery Procedure
Step 1: Secure Forensic Imaging
- The external Seagate drive is connected via write-blocked hardware to prevent further changes.
- A bit-level sector-by-sector image is made of the encrypted volume.
- We preserve all partitions, unallocated space, and encryption headers.
Step 2: BitLocker Volume Analysis
- Using advanced forensic tools such as Elcomsoft Forensic Disk Decryptor and Passware Kit, we assess:
- Volume Master Key (VMK) and Full Volume Encryption Key (FVEK) structures
- Backup BitLocker metadata stored in the drive
- Entropy levels to determine if the data is fully or partially encrypted
Step 3: Decryption Key Recovery (If Key Is Missing)
When the recovery key is unavailable, we attempt:
- Volume shadow copy restoration (if remnants remain)
- TPM pairing analysis (if the drive was encrypted on a TPM-enabled device)
- Dictionary and known-password brute-force attacks using custom GPU-accelerated cracking rigs
- Cross-matching recovery identifiers against Windows Active Directory or Microsoft account data if credentials were reused
⚠️ Note: While BitLocker uses strong AES 128/256-bit encryption, key recovery is sometimes possible if weak passwords were used or metadata backup exists.
Step 4: Logical Data Reconstruction
- Once access is restored, we extract files from the decrypted image.
- Damaged file systems (NTFS, exFAT, etc.) are rebuilt using deep-scan techniques to restore folder structure and filenames.
- Files are validated using checksum verification for integrity assurance.
💽 Supported Systems and File Types
We support recovery from the following:
- Seagate models: Backup Plus, Expansion, OneTouch, Portable, Ultra Touch, Fast SSD
- Encryption types: BitLocker (XTS-AES), BitLocker To Go
- File systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, ReFS
- Interfaces: USB 3.0, USB-C, SATA-to-USB bridge, powered and bus-powered enclosures
🧰 Common BitLocker Faults We Recover From
| Fault | Technical Explanation | Recovery Action |
|---|---|---|
| Missing BitLocker key | Key lost or never backed up | Key search, brute-force, TPM extraction |
| Corrupted BitLocker metadata | Drive was disconnected during use | Backup metadata repair, metadata cloning |
| BitLocker To Go prompt on external Seagate | System reconfigured or controller error | Mount volume manually, extract recovery data from shadow volumes |
| Windows Update causing re-encryption | OS upgrade changed encryption policy | Scan for key in OS logs, recovery ID matching |
| File Explorer shows empty or RAW drive | Partition header corrupted | Manual mounting, raw file carving post-decryption |
✅ Why Choose Coventry Data Recovery?
- Over 25 years of hands-on experience in encrypted volume recovery
- Specialists in BitLocker forensic-level data extraction
- Ability to recover from USB-to-SATA bridge-level corruption
- Fully secure, GDPR-compliant, and confidential service process
- Industry-leading success rates even where local shops have failed
📞 Contact Coventry’s BitLocker Recovery Team Today
If your Seagate external drive is prompting for a BitLocker recovery key and your data appears to be gone, do not attempt to format or initialise the disk. Doing so can permanently overwrite encryption metadata.
Instead, trust Coventry Data Recovery — the UK’s leading provider of data recovery from BitLocker encrypted drives — to assess your drive professionally and retrieve your files safely.
Coventry Data Recovery – Advanced Solutions for Encrypted and Inaccessible Drives
Free Diagnostics | No Recovery – No Fee | 25 Years of Data Recovery Excellence